Launch of 'The Corporate Culture Handbook'Gabrielle O'Donovan, whose grandfather is the late Thomas Culligan and mother is Christine Culligan originally from Market Hill, will launch her book 'The Corporate Culture Handbook' (Paperback Edition) in The Narrow Space Gallery, Clonmel, on Saturday 9th June at 8pm. This launch, by invitation only, follows the success of the hardback edition which was launched in London last year

Gabrielle O’Donovan has worked with major blue-chip companies for many years on corporate culture management and developed her initial répertoire by working on a range of major initiatives for Cathay Pacific Airways. Her recent HSBC culture change programme won an ASTD Excellence in Practice Award in 2005 and her articles have been published in Corporate Governance International, Banking Today and Best Practices Management. She is a graduate of the University of Bolton and received her M.Ed. in Training and Development from the University of Sheffield.

Gabrielle is a member of numerous professional societies including the Society of Leadership & Change, the ASTD, the Society of Authors, the Institute of Management Consultants, the Strategic Planning Society and MENSA. As a change management professional she wears multiple hats and is a management consultant, business author, conference speaker and university lecturer. Gabrielle is also Associate Editor of the International Journal of Knowledge, Culture and Change Management. Visit Gabrielle's Website

Voting in LondonI am a regular reader on fethard.com, and have the following comments to make on your article below. I have lived and worked both on mainland Europe for 3 years and am currently living and working in the UK.

When I was on mainland Europe the only election I was entitled to vote in was the European Elections and local Elections, I was not entitled to vote in their general election. On the other hand after moving to London, I was automatically entitled to vote in their general election as an Irish Citizen. I do not see why we in Ireland should give the right to vote to Continental Europeans when they do give this franchise to Irish Citizens. This needs to change at a European level and not at an Irish level.

Thank you for keeping all of us who are living overseas up to date with local news! (James Phelan)

Voting clarificationWe are happy to report that some concerned reader has taken the bother to help us understand some of the voting difficulties that had arisen locally in this year's election:

"I read the submission about the problems with the polling station in Fethard and can confirm that this was mirrored across the country. I would just like to clarify the situation with other EU voters though.

Irish citizens may vote at every election and referendum;

British citizens may vote at Dáil elections, European elections and local elections;

Other European Union (EU) citizens may vote at European and local elections

Non-EU citizens may vote at local elections only.

It would seem illogical that a person from one EU country (i.e. UK) would be entitled to vote but that someone from another (e.g. Finland) would not. So to clarify that the Irish resident who is not an Irish citizen but is from another EU country other than the UK would not have been entitled to vote this time around but will be entitled to vote in the 2009 local and European elections."

At the gig in Butlers BarPhotographed at the gig last weekend in Butlers Bar were L to R: Ann Marie Butler, Sinead O'Brien and Noel Morrissey.

South Tipperary Open Working Hunter Pony LeagueAs the Showing season gets into full swing, four Tipperary Shows have joined forces to run an Open Working Hunter Pony League. Points will be gained for placings in Open Working Hunter Pony Classes for 133 cms., 143 cms, 153 cms. and Intermediate at the four Shows; Clonmel (1st July), Killusty (Saturday 7th July), Tipperary IPS (Sunday 8th July at Ballylanigan House, Mullinahone) and , new this year Tipperary Show (August 4th - no Intermediate) and an embroidered rug will go to the winner of each league. An Open class is, as it says, open to everyone not just ponies with more than 50 IPS points. All four shows require pre-entry to their classes so now is the time to ask for schedules and get your entries in. It is hoped that many South Tipperary children will take this opportunity to gain experience and perhaps win a very attractive rug into the bargain as well as whatever prizes the Shows have to offer. Schedules can be obtained from Clonmel Show Secretary, Western Road, Clonmel, Killusty Pony Show Secretary Mrs. Betsy O’Connor, Knockkelly, Fethard, Co. Tipperary, Tipperary IPS Show Secretary, Mrs. R. Henry, St. Johnstown, Fethard, Co. Tipperary and Tipperary Show Secretary Mrs. P. Mansergh-Wallace, Grenane Hse, Tipperary. If you are not in you can’t win. Good luck to all who take up the challenge.

The Well Golf SocietyThe Well Golf Society will hold a meeting for members and future members this coming Wednesday night 6th June at 8pm in the Well. Don't worry there won't be any jobs given out as all positions have been filled. The meeting is to finalise plans for the coming season.

Any scream will do!Tickets are now on sale for ‘Any scream will do!’  a showcase for three local bands who will take to the stage in the Abymill Theatre on Friday 8th at 7.30pm. First up are a young band ‘Zero Tolerence’. They are all in their early teens and cite Thin Lizzy and Led Zepplin among their influences. The second band are another rock outfit, ‘The Autocats’, who played the same venue last year supporting Aiden Ward and have notched up quite a few local gigs over the last year. The final act are a local band, formerly known as ‘The Dukes’, but due to a split in the band over musical differences, have changed their line up and are now known as ‘Rootless’. Their set is an acoustic one in the vein of Damien Rice. Tickets for the event are €10 and can be bought from the band members or from McCarthy’s Bar.

Social DancingSocial dancing for all takes place in Fethard Ballroom on this Sunday 3rd June with great music supplied by Liam O’Sullivan. Dancing from nine to midnight.

Fethard social lifeEnjoying the weekend social life in Fethard are L to R: John Hurley, Michael Ryan and Chris Coen.

Patrick Burke and his wife Alicia, meeting up with family and friends while home on holiday from USA. L to R: Biddy Purcell, Patricia Purcell, Patrick Burke, Alicia Hitzler Burke, Elizabeth Burke and Brian Burke.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto ResultsThe numbers drawn on Wednesday 23rd May were: 6, 23, 25 and 29. There was no Jackpot winners and no Match 3 winner. Three tickets were drawn and the following received €50 each:Anne Anglim, Ballinard, Fethard;John Joe White, Rathkenny, Fethard;Esther Leahy, Ballintogher, Killenaule.

Next week’s Jackpot continues at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1000.

Important meeting for owners neighbouring Town WallThe Heritage Council, Fáilte Ireland, South Tipperary County Council and the local Steering Committee would like to invite owners of properties neighbouring the town wall to a workshop to discuss the Fethard Town Walls Conservation and Management Plan. The overall aim of the conservation and management plan project is to assist the various agencies and groups responsible for the conservation and management of the Fethard Town Walls in formulating, planning and implementing a successful conservation and management programme for this unique national monument.

The input of the relevant landowners into the initial stage of plan preparation is vital. The workshop will outline the procedure for formulating the plan, the objectives and aims of the plan and will focus on obtaining the views of those who have property along the town wall. The workshop will be hosted by the groups set out above and will take place at 7.00 pm on Wednesday the 6th June 2007 at the Fr. Tirry Centre, Barrack Street, Fethard.

Anonymous Art SaleOn Sunday 17th June a very innovative fundraising event in aid of the refurbishment of Fethard Holy Trinity Church of Ireland will take place at the same venue. Art works by many well-known artists and amateurs alike were donated to be sold at the ‘Confidential Art’ event  all for the one price of €25 each. The ‘anonymous’ works are signed on the back so buyers will have to purchase their pieces without knowing who the artist is at that time. So, depending on your luck, you could end up with a very valuable painting for €25!

The event will be officially opened by local celebrity at 3pm and admission is €5 which includes Cream Tea. A raffle is also being run in conjunction with the event and has very attractive prizes such as, four tickets to the ‘Joseph’ show in London including €200 travelling expenses; two nights superior B&B accommodation at Derrynane, Co. Kerry; Lamb for Deep Freezing, €100 vouchers for ham, and lots more. Do come along and support this worthwhile event. All are welcome.

Disappointed VotersThere was great disappointment and anger expressed by several members of the community who visited the four polling stations in the Nano Nagle NS and indeed in numerous polling stations around the country who arrived to vote and found that their names had been taken off the registrar. Other people, not entitled to vote, got polling cards in error. People were aware that a campaign was launched earlier this year to update the registrar of electors, but only some got forms to complete others did not. There appeared to be no reliability whatsoever to the system and the result was a total disaster for many voters. This is something that the powers that be should rectify as soon as possible. We’ve heard of another person, who was registered to vote, but was refused because his home country wasn’t a member of the EU! This was a very bewildering and annoying situation as the country in question is a member of the EU since 1995.

County Community Games Finals in Nenagh
Winners of the 1500m race at the County Tipperary Community Games Finals held at CBS Nenagh on Sunday 27th May. L to R: Joe Keane (vice-chairman Tipperary Community Games), 2nd Ciarán Purcell (Gortnahoe), 1st Adam O'Donnell Fethard), 3rd John Crowe (Tipp Town) and Peggy Colville (PRO Tipperary Community Games). CLICK FOR MORE COMMUNITY GAMES PHOTOS

Fethard Community Sportsfield DrawThis Friday 1st June night will be the highlight of the week for some lucky people when the draw for €20,000 in prize money will take place in the Abymill at 8pm sharp. This is an open draw and the committee would like to take this opportunity to invite anybody interested to attend and also to thank everybody who purchased tickets over the past few months most sincerely for their support. Proceeds of the draw will go towards acquiring a capital sports grant to build changing rooms, showers etc., in the sportsfield which is being used to full capacity at the moment. Anybody who has not yet got a ticket, don’t be left out, please contact any member of the committee immediately. Make a date for 8 on Friday evening. Tickets are €100 with prize money of €20,000 and there are some still available for this worthwhile cause from Jimmy O’Sullivan, Ger Manton, John Hurley, Fintan Rice and Pat O’Donnell. If you're not in, you can't win!

Off The Wall 2007 on SaleThe annual publication of Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School’s yearbook, ‘Off The Wall’ is now on sale at the school and in local bookshops at €10 each. This year’s issue is packed with articles and full colour photographs of school classes and events. These collectors’ items are a credit to the transition year students and their editorial team who compile the information and raise funds for publication. Get your copy now!

Fethard Rugby Club AGMThe annual general meeting of Fethard Rugby Club was held on Tuesday 22nd May 2007 in the Tirry Centre at 9pm. The club is now a limited company and this affords protection to all involved in the promotion and playing of rugby in the area.

The chairman thanked all those involved, the players, the parents and particularly the coaches for their unselfish service throughout the year, sacrificing 23 nights weekly plus a game or two every weekend. He also thanked the secretary for her tireless commitment to the club throughout the year. Paul also paid tribute to Valerie for the professional manner in which she organised the finances of the club.

The secretary in her comprehensive report paid tribute to all the parents for their support particularly for providing the transport to all the matches and for their great support in organising the end of season B.B.Q. She also thanked the Community Field Committee for their support and help throughout the season and Mr John Hally for allowing the club use of his field during the season.

The treasurers report showed that the club cost €18,000 to run last year but due to the successful fundraisers and parents taking the responsibility of organising the transport we are showing a credit balance of €7,500 but in a ‘Scrooge’ like fashion she warned that this was needed to upgrade the lighting and install temporary showers.

Jimmy O’Sullivan informed the meeting that the draw was proving to be a great success and that he was confident that the draw committee would be in a position to meet its target of €50,000 for the development.

Mr Jerome Casey on behalf of the field committee stated that plans were being advanced to make a planning application and an application for Sports Lottery funding, but that realistically it will probably be late 2008 before building commences.

The meeting also decided that the protocol; for the allocation of international / inter-provincial tickets will be as follows:

The coaches in recognition of their unselfish work will have first call on the tickets.

The remainder will be allocated on a rotational basis to paid-up adult members by the Chairman and Treasurer.

A list of all those who receive tickets will be circulated to members prior to the AGM each year.

Fethard GAA Club NewsThe Senior Football South Championship game played last Saturday 26th May resulted in a good victory on a scoreline, Fethard 1-8, Ardfinnan 0-5. With a few injuries and holidays to take into account, our team on the day performed admirably after losing two more players early on with hamstring injuries. Well done to all.

We have an Intermediate Hurling game on this coming Friday night, 1st June, against St Marys in Cahir. All minor games now deferred until after exams.

The South Board Centenary Commemoration visitations to cemeteries went off very well last Sunday. Thanks to Jimmy O’Shea, Denis Burke, Gussy Fitzgerald and Miceál McCormack for their orations at the gravesides of Dick Cummins, John Keating, Ned Kenrick and John O’Shea. We thank all the South Board Officials for their presence and also thank the families of the deceased honoured for their kind words of thanks and appreciation. Go ndeana Dia trocaire orthu.

Thanks again to all those who contributed to our county board draw with the first draw this Friday night,

South Board GAA Centenary Celebrations
Group photographed at the grave of Dick Cummins in Fethard Parish Church graveyard where Dick was honoured by South Board as part of the Centenary Celebrations in South Tipperary. L to R: Michael O'Dwyer (Chairman Fethard GAA Club), Kay O'Dwyer, Miceál McCormack (Chairman South Board GAA), Fr Tom Breen P.P. and Michael O'Dwyer (Dublin).
Group photographed at the grave of Dick Cummins

Fethard GAA members photographed at the grave of John Keating in Calvary Cemetery Fethard where he was honoured by South Board as part of the Centenary Celebrations in South Tipperary. L to R: Joe Ahearn, Sean Moloney, Tony Newport, Dick Fitzgerald, Liam Connolly, Percy O'Flynn and Austin Godfrey.

Group photographed at the grave of John Keating

Photographed at Redcity Cemetery where Ned Kenrick and John O'Shea were honoured at part of the by South Board as part of the Centenary Celebrations in South Tipperary. L to R: Sean Moloney, Tony Newport and Jimmy McInerney.
Group photographed at the Kenrick family grave at Redcity

Group photographed at the grave of John O'Shea

Fethard Juvenile GAA Club

Under-12 FootballThe under-12s lost their gallant battle for a place in the south final in their south semi-final re-play against a much bigger and stronger Ardfinnan on the night. The final score was by no means a reflection of the hard fight these young boys put up. Consisting mainly of our under-10 team, they took to Ardfinnan on the night but they were not to be lucky and they can now bow out with their heads held high knowing they did all that could have been done.

Thanks to their trainers and mentors for all the hard work and effort that was put into the team preparing them for their championship bid.

Under-14 FootballThe under-14s are still awaiting the results of the Commercial/Rovers match to find out who they will be facing in the anticipated final of their south championship bid.

We travelled to Tullamore on Sunday morning of last week for a challenge match. It was a great day out for the lads and we thank Tullamore for their hospitality on the day. They fed and watered the team after the match.

On the day Damien Morrissey, Ger Maher, Frankie O’Donovan, Alan Lawrence, Owen Fitzgerald and Dion Butler had fine matches and our backs consisting of Dylan Fitzgerald and Joseph Morgan had great games as well. We wish them the very best of luck in their final.

Congratulations must also go to Aaron Conran and Brian Delahunty who both represented South Tipperary in the under-14 hurling team on Saturday last, playing down in Waterford. They were extremely unlucky not to be on the winning team on the day

Fethard & District Day Care CentreThe Fethard & District Day Care Centre will hold a Senior Day on Friday 1st June 2007 from 11am. The chiropodist will attend and the cost of this service is €10. The district nurse will also be in attendance. A hot meal will also be served at a cost of €5.

The Fethard & District Day Care Centre will hold their annual Church Gate collection on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd June in Fethard and on 9th and 10th June in Moyglass and Killenaule Parish.